BUMS TUMS and GUMS

04/05/2026

Choosing the Right Medical Travel Company – It Could Save Your Life 🌏
With overseas surgery becoming increasingly popular, it’s more important than ever to know who you’re trusting with your health and your life.
My global partner Moana who operates Bariatric in turkey and myself both having 17 years in the Bariatric and aesthetic market were recently interviewed by Radio New Zealand about exactly this topic – and it’s worth a read.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/what-is-medical-tourism-and-what-are-the-risks-of-having-surgery-overseas

There so many fly-by-night companies popping up in the medical travel space, and the risks of choosing the wrong one are very real. Here’s what you must check before committing to any medical travel company:
✅ They are a qualified, licensed travel agent
✅ They have studied and understand travel legislation
✅ They hold proper accreditation and qualifications
✅ They carry professional indemnity insurance
✅ They have risk management protocols in place
✅ They have been operating successfully for many years

One thing many people don’t realise – no New Zealand insurance company will cover elective surgery overseas. This is critical. Moana and I both work with a trusted American insurer who will provide cover for your surgery, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

This is an intricate, specialised industry. Please don’t take chances with your health by going with an unknown operator chasing a cheap deal. Know who the players are, ask the hard questions, and make sure you’re in safe hands every step of the 👇

Explainer – As stories emerge of New Zealanders suffering complications following surgeries overseas, here’s what you need to know about the medical tourism industry.

29/04/2026

25/04/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxzejfT0k2c

7 likes. "Healing Beyond Borders Podcast: India x New Zealand Healthcare Story"

31/03/2026

Our little “Steelo” is on the mend after a cluster of epileptic fits yesterday — a long night in doggy hospital, but today he’s back to his usual self, relaxing and “reading” my book like nothing ever happened.

29/03/2026

Big news from my recent interview with Radio New Zealand — it’ll be up on their website in the next few weeks.

It really feels like medical tourism is absolutely on the rise. I’m seeing strong interest already for our June departure, and there are only a few spots left for aesthetics, including tummy tucks, mummy makeovers, facelifts and more.

Dental continues to be one of the biggest eye-openers. On my last trip, one lady had 13 crowns, 4 implants and a 4-tooth bridge, all for around $14,500 NZD. When you compare that to local pricing, it’s hard to ignore the difference. And if patients have good bone structure, implant work can often be completed in under 18 days, which is incredible compared to what most people expect.

We’ve also got a couple of hip and knee replacements lined up for the next group departing 13 June, alongside dental and cosmetic procedures — a real mix of people taking control of their health and confidence in a more accessible way.

Flights are still running smoothly and on schedule, which is always reassuring, but like everything at the moment, the world does keep us on our toes.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, this might be your sign to start the conversation — spaces are limited for June.

24/03/2026

We had such an amazing trip. We talk so much about cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics, but we don’t often mention the incredible dentistry that happens there too.

Two amazing ladies had struggled with their teeth for years—to the point they were loose and wobbly—and for 2 people still in their prime of her life, it was really getting them down.

Just look at the difference in a matter of 18 days… absolutely life-changing.

21/03/2026

From shocking teeth to film star smiles in just 18 days.

It’s not just about changing teeth — it’s about transforming confidence, how you feel when you walk into a room, and finally loving your smile again. Claire from New Plymouth, her teeth were going from bad to worse but our dental surgeon in India transformed her smile , fixing her teeth all on our one trip.

Real people, real journeys, incredible results. Next escorted surgical and dental trip 13 June.

20/03/2026

One week on and I just had the stitches out today! Still a little bruising, but I reckon another week and it’ll be completely gone. I was invited to do a TV show in India, and instead of hiding the surgery, I ditched the sunglasses and did the whole show as I was. Figured if I can trust these surgeons, others can too – no hiding, just honest results.

20/03/2026

What a crew it’s been up in Mumbai… honestly, the kind of group that reminds you why you do this.
Seeing people take those first proper steps again after years of painful hips and knees never gets old – it’s pure magic every single time. Then there are the mummy makeovers… one of our ladies had 7kg removed from her tummy and breasts – that’s basically a bowling ball! Absolutely mind-blowing.
But just as special are the evenings – sitting down together, sharing stories, laughs, and a few cheeky moments over dinner with such a mix of ages and personalities. It’s not just about the surgeries… it’s the people, the journey, and the memories we create along the way.

19/03/2026

It’s never just about the surgery.

It’s the colours that greet you the moment you arrive, vibrant and alive in every corner. It’s the unexpected adventures, the stories you collect along the way, and the laughter that seems to come so easily when you’re sharing the journey with others walking a similar path.

India has a way of turning a medical trip into something far richer. It becomes an experience — one that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

If you’ve been thinking about taking that step, perhaps it’s time to make it more than just a procedure. Come for the care, stay for the journey, and leave with something truly unforgettable. Next trip 13 June

19/03/2026

What star you are my friend, I love seeing less of my patients who then become friends, as they lose those kilos. Next trip to San Diego and Mexico 07 August

14/03/2026

Because airfares are on special at the moment, I thought it was worth letting people know about an option for those considering bariatric surgery without having to travel through some of the more complicated or uncertain airspace routes.

There are currently good fares available from Auckland to Los Angeles with Air New Zealand. You are very welcome to book your own flights,as the air NZ sale ends on Sunday 15th,.

I will be running a short and relaxed tour departing Auckland on the evening of 7 August for nine nights. However, I can also organ those that want to go individually and get you picked up. The itinerary in August includes 3 days in San Diego both before and after surgery, along with three nights in Mexico for the medical side of the trip.

I’m currently in Mumbai with a group of 21 until the middle of next week, but for those who have been thinking about it, the airfares to Los Angeles are particularly good right now. I actually booked a few people today, so the group is already coming together nicely, and I still have room for a few more if anyone is interested.

Feel free to message me if you’d like more details. info@jbtg.co.nz